Moveable guard assembly for all terrain vehicle

ABSTRACT

A moveable guard assembly is configured for installation upon an ATV having a horizontal carrier rack. The movable guard assembly comprises a blocking member and a first securement mechanism. The blocking member is configured for attachment to a front end of the all terrain vehicle in a position adjacent to the horizontal carrier rack. The blocking member is adjustable through movement between a first position in which the blocking member is operable to perform a guard function for protecting at least a portion of the front end of the all terrain vehicle, and a second position in which the blocking member is operable to provide additional support for cargo placed upon the horizontal carrier rack. The first securement mechanism is configured to selectively retain the blocking member in at least one of the first position and the second position. An ATV including the moveable guard assembly is also provided.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a moveable guard assembly forattachment to the front end of an all terrain vehicle (ATV).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is typical for conventional ATVs to include one or more horizontalcarrier racks for supporting cargo upon the ATV. For example, such cargomight include camping equipment, hunting equipment, tools, game and/orany of a variety of other items. In some circumstances, flexible strapscan be used to assist in securing such cargo to the horizontal carrierracks. However, appropriate placement and usage of these straps iseither impractical or inconvenient for securing at least certain typesof cargo to the horizontal carrier racks. It is generally desirable toavoid enlarging and/or otherwise reconfiguring a horizontal carrier rackto better support cargo, as such alterations would likely result in asignificant addition of bulk, cost, and/or weight to the ATV, and/orcould unacceptably obscure an operator's visibility of approachingterrain. Accordingly, there is a need for a more effective apparatus forassisting in securement of cargo to a horizontal carrier rack on an ATV.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an ATV isprovided which comprises a carrier rack, a blocking member, and a firstsecurement mechanism. The carrier rack is supported at a locationadjacent to a front end of the ATV and defines a substantiallyhorizontal plane configured for supporting cargo thereon. The blockingmember is provided adjacent to the carrier rack. The blocking member isadjustable through movement between a first position in which theblocking member is operable to perform a guard function for protectingat least a portion of the front end of the ATV, and a second position inwhich the blocking member is operable to provide additional support forcargo placed upon the carrier rack. The first securement mechanism isconfigured to selectively retain the blocking member in at least one ofthe first position and the second position.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an ATVis provided which comprises a frame, a carrier rack, a blocking member,and a securement mechanism. The carrier rack is attached to the frameadjacent to the front end of the ATV and defines a substantiallyhorizontal plane configured for supporting cargo thereon. The securementmechanism comprises a receptor and a vertical member. The receptor isattached to the frame at a location adjacent to a front end of the ATV.The vertical member is attached to the blocking member and is configuredto slidingly interface with the receptor such that the blocking membercan be vertically adjusted between a first position in which theblocking member is operative to perform a brush guard function and asecond position in which the blocking member is operative to provideadditional support for cargo placed upon the carrier rack. Thesecurement mechanism is configured to selectively retain the blockingmember in at least one of the first position and the second position.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, anATV is provided which comprises a frame, a carrier rack, a blockingmember, and a securement mechanism. The carrier rack is attached to theframe at a location adjacent to a front end of the ATV. The carrier rackdefines a substantially horizontal plane configured for supporting cargothereon. The blocking member is hingedly attached with respect to thecarrier rack adjacent to the front end of the ATV. The blocking memberis pivotable between a first position in which the blocking member isoriented substantially vertically and is configured to perform a brushguard function, and a second position in which the blocking member isoriented substantially vertically and is configured to provideadditional support for cargo placed upon the carrier rack. Thesecurement mechanism is configured to selectively retain the blockingmember in at least one of the first position and the second position.

In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, amoveable guard assembly is provided for installation upon an ATV,wherein the ATV has a horizontal carrier rack defining a substantiallyhorizontal plane configured for supporting cargo thereon. The movableguard assembly comprises a blocking member and a first securementmechanism. The blocking member is configured for attachment to a frontend of an ATV in a position adjacent to a horizontal carrier rack. Theblocking member is adjustable through movement between a first positionin which the blocking member is operable to perform a guard function forprotecting at least a portion of the front end of an ATV, and a secondposition in which the blocking member is operable to provide additionalsupport for cargo placed upon a horizontal carrier rack. The firstsecurement mechanism is configured to selectively retain the blockingmember in at least one of the first position and the second position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed that thesame will be better understood from the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an ATV having a moveable guardassembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,wherein the blocking member is in a first position;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the ATV of FIG. 1 wherein theblocking member is in a second position;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the ATV of FIG. 2 wherein a waterbottle is secured to the carrier rack;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an ATV having a moveable guardassembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,wherein the blocking member is in a first position;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view depicting the ATV of FIG. 4 whereinthe blocking member is in a second position;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of an ATV having a moveable guardassembly in accordance with yet another embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein the blocking member is in a first position;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the ATV of FIG. 6 wherein theblocking member is in a second position;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged front perspective view of a portion of thesecurement mechanism depicted in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9A is an enlarged front perspective view of a portion of thecarrier rack and a securement mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9B is a top plan view of a portion of the carrier rack and asecurement mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view depicting a conventional ATV havinga carrier rack and brush guard; and

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of the ATV of FIG. 10 wherein a waterbottle is secured to the carrier rack.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention and its operation are hereinafter described indetail in connection with the views and examples of FIGS. 1-8, 9A, and9B, wherein like numbers indicate the same or corresponding elementsthroughout the views. These embodiments are shown and described only forpurposes of illustrating examples of the elements of the invention, andshould not be considered as limiting on alternative structures orassemblies that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

An ATV can be provided with a horizontal carrier rack that is fixed inplace upon the ATV at a location adjacent to the front end of the ATV.In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the ATV canfurther be provided with a guard assembly that is moveable with respectto the horizontal carrier rack. The moveable guard assembly canselectively serve to protect the front of the ATV and to assist inretaining cargo upon the horizontal carrier rack.

In one particular embodiment of the present invention, as shown forexample in FIG. 1, an ATV 14 can be provided with a carrier rack 16supported adjacent to a front end 22 of the ATV 14. The carrier rack 16can define a substantially horizontal plane upon which cargo can beplaced and supported, whereby this substantially horizontal plane can becoplanar with a plane 18 depicted in FIG. 1. The carrier rack 16 can besecured directly or indirectly to a frame 34 of the ATV 14 in any of avariety of specific configurations. In the particular embodimentdepicted in FIG. 1, the carrier rack 16 is shown to be supported bysupport posts 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 and 56, whereby each of these supportposts is directly or indirectly connected with the frame 34 of the ATV14.

As used herein, the “frame” of an ATV refers to the structural system towhich all components of the ATV are directly or indirectly attached.While an ATV's frame is typically formed from steel or aluminumcomponents, it will be appreciated that a frame in accordance with theteachings of the present invention may comprise other types of metalcomponents and/or nonmetal components. Furthermore, a typical frame maycomprise metal tubes and/or rails which are welded or otherwise fastenedtogether, although a frame might alternatively comprise a unibody-typeconfiguration formed substantially from bent and welded metal sheets,and/or some other type of construction. It will further be appreciatedthat an attachment to the frame of an ATV can be direct or indirect, andthat an indirect attachment might involve attachment to a body panel,intermediate support structure, or other item, that is attached directlyto the frame of the ATV or indirectly (i.e.: through one or more othersuch components) to the frame of the ATV.

The ATV 14 can also be provided with a blocking member 20 which, likethe carrier rack 16, can be supported adjacent to a front end 22 of theATV 14. The blocking member 20 can be provided adjacent to the carrierrack 16 and, in one embodiment, can be directly hingedly attached to thecarrier rack 16 with hinges 30 and 32 such that the blocking member 20is adjustable through movement between a first position and a secondposition. While in the first position, as shown for example in FIG. 1,the blocking member 20 can perform a guard function for protecting atleast a portion of the front end 22 of the ATV 14 such as from brush,debris, and/or collision. In particular, when in the first position, theblocking member 20 can provide what is commonly known as a brush guardfunction. While in the second position, as shown for example in FIGS.2-3, the blocking member 20 can provide additional support for cargoplaced upon the carrier rack 16, such as by providing a substantiallyvertical face or wall against which cargo may rest and/or be secured. Asshown in FIGS. 1-3, the blocking member 20, when in the first position,can be disposed such that it is substantially beneath the plane 18, andwhen in the second position, can be disposed such that it issubstantially above the plane 18. It will be appreciated that theblocking member 20 can be configured such that it does not obscure anoperator's visibility of approaching terrain, at least during which timethe blocking member 20 is in the first position. As further shown inFIGS. 1-3, the blocking member 20 can be oriented substantiallyvertically when in each of the first position and the second position.

One or more securement mechanisms can be provided to selectively retaina blocking member in at least one of the first and second positions. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 1, a first securement mechanism 26 can beprovided to selectively retain the blocking member 20 in the firstposition, while a second securement mechanism 28 can be provided toselectively retain the blocking member 20 in the second position. Thefirst securement mechanism 26 is shown to include a mount 62, a pin 58and a spring 60. The pin 58 can be biased by the spring 60 with respectto the mount 62 such that the pin 58 can interact with the blockingmember 20 when the blocking member 20 is in the first position, therebysecuring the blocking member 20 in the first position. Accordingly, inthis configuration, in order that the blocking member 20 can be removedfrom the first position, the pin 58 can be manually withdrawn againstthe force of the spring 60, thereby releasing the blocking member 20from the first position.

After being released from the first position, the blocking member 20 canbe pivoted upwardly to the second position. Once pivoted upwardly, thesecond securement mechanism 28 can be used to retain the blocking member20 in the second position, as shown for example in FIG. 2. The secondsecurement mechanism 28 is shown to include a strap 36 which canselectively connect the carrier rack 16 to the blocking member 20. Thestrap 36 can be moveable between a stored position (depicted in FIG. 1)and an extended position (depicted in FIG. 2). The strap 36 can beplaced in the stored position when, for example, the blocking member 20is being retained in the first position by the first securementmechanism 26. However, the strap 36 can be placed in its extendedposition when, for example, it is desirable for the blocking member 20to be retained in the second position. When in the extended position, asshown in FIG. 2, the strap 36 can at least assist in maintaining theblocking member 20 in the second position.

FIGS. 9A and 9B provide additional detail with regard to the secondsecurement mechanism 28. The strap 36 can include a first end which ispivotally attached to the carrier rack 16. This attachment can beachieved, for example, through use of a bolt 38 which extends through awasher 40, through an aperture in the strap 36, through a spacer 48, andthen into a threaded aperture in the carrier rack 16. The other end ofthe strap 36 can include an aperture 42 which can selectively slide overa post 44 which is attached to the carrier rack 16. The post 44 caninclude a hook or notch 45 in order to assist in preventing the end ofthe strap 36 having the aperture 42 from inadvertently sliding off thepost 44. The strap 36 can be placed into its stored position by slidingthe aperture 42 over the post 44.

In order to remove the strap 36 from its stored position, the second endof the strap 36 can be moved so as to remove the aperture 42 from thepost 44. The second end can then be pivoted and maneuvered until theaperture 42 passes over a post 46 provided upon the blocking member 20,as shown for example in FIG. 2, whereby the strap 36 is in its extendedposition. The post 46 can include a hook or notch in order to assist inpreventing the strap 36 from inadvertently sliding off the post 46. Solong as the aperture 42 remains upon the post 46, the strap 36 canmaintain the blocking member 20 in the second position.

The strap 36 can be formed from any of a variety of materials such asmetal, fiberglass, plastic, rubber, a composite, or some other material.It will be appreciated that in other embodiments of the presentinvention, a securement mechanism might include multiple such strap/postpairs. It should also be understood that the first and/or secondsecurement mechanisms 26, 28 might be configured differently and/ormight even be provided as a single device which can selectively securethe blocking member 20 in the first and second positions (as well aspossibly one or more other positions, such as an intermediary position).In fact, a securement mechanism in accordance with the teachings of thepresent invention can comprise any of a countless variety of alternativemechanical configurations which are operative to selectively retain theblocking member in one or more positions.

FIG. 3 depicts how the blocking member 20, when in its second position,can be used to assist in supporting cargo upon the carrier rack 16. Inparticular, a water bottle 24 is shown to be supported upon the carrierrack 16, and is shown to be attached to the carrier rack 16 and to theblocking member 20 with a strap 64. The strap 64 can have a first end 66which is attached to the carrier rack 16 and a second end 68 which isattached to the blocking member 20. By having the blocking member 20 toprovide frontal support for the water bottle 24 as shown in FIG. 3, thewater bottle 24 receives sufficient support (i.e.: from both the carrierrack 16 and the blocking member 20) so that the water bottle 24 is lesslikely to be jarred loose from the carrier rack 16 during travel of theATV 14 than if the water bottle were secured to the carrier rack of aconventional ATV (e.g. as shown in FIGS. 10-11 and described below). Amoveable guard assembly in accordance with the present invention canprovide enhanced support in this manner for many different types ofcargo including, but not limited to, camping equipment, huntingequipment, tools, and game. Furthermore, even when in the secondposition, the blocking member 20 can still provide a blocking functionto protect at least part of the front end 22 of the ATV 14 and/or toprotect cargo (e.g., from collision, brush or debris) which is supportedupon the carrier rack 16.

It will be appreciated that a moveable guard assembly in accordance withthe present invention can be supported upon an ATV in any of a varietyof specific configurations. For example, one alternative moveable guardassembly in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIGS. 4-5on an ATV 114 and to include a carrier rack 116, a first blocking member120 and a second blocking member 124, all of which are disposed adjacentto a front end 122 of the ATV 114. The carrier rack 116 defines asubstantially horizontal plane configured for supporting cargo thereon,whereby this plane is generally represented by a coplanar plane 118depicted in FIG. 4. The second blocking member 124 can be fixedlysecured with respect to a frame 134 of the ATV 114 by way of a direct orindirect attachment to a frame 134 of the ATV 114. The carrier rack 116is also shown to be fixedly secured with respect to the frame 134through its attachment to the second blocking member 124 with brackets154, 156, and through its direct or indirect attachment to the frame 134through support posts 150, 151, 152 and 153.

The first blocking member 120 is shown to include a mesh 170 such as ascreen or wire cloth, although it should be appreciated that the firstblocking member 120 can alternatively be formed in any of a variety ofother configurations. As with the other blocking members discussedherein, the mesh 170 can be configured to substantially prevent brushfrom passing therethrough. However, the mesh 170 may nevertheless beconfigured to allow passage of air and light, thereby imposing nosignificant aerodynamic effect upon the performance of the ATV 114 andavoiding any significant disruption of the light beams emitted from theheadlights of the ATV 114 and/or with operator visibility of upcomingterrain.

The first blocking member 120 can be attached with hinges 130, 132 tothe carrier rack 116 such that the first blocking member 120 is moveablebetween a first position, as shown in FIG. 4, and a second position, asshown in FIG. 5. In alternate embodiments, the first blocking member 120can be hingedly attached to the second blocking member 124 and/or toanother portion of the ATV 114. When in the first position, the firstblocking member 120 can provide protection for the front end 122 of theATV 114. While in the second position, the first blocking member 120 canprovide additional support for cargo located upon the carrier rack 116.However, even when the first blocking member 120 is disposed in thesecond position, the second blocking member 124 may nevertheless provideat least some protection for the front end 122 of the ATV 114.Furthermore, even when the first blocking member 120 is disposed in thesecond position, the first blocking member 120 may provide at least someprotection for the front end 122 of the ATV 114 and/or cargo supportedby the carrier rack 116. As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the first blockingmember 120, when in the first position, can be disposed such that it issubstantially beneath the plane 118, and when in the second position,such that it is substantially above the plane 118. It will beappreciated that the first blocking member 120 can be configured suchthat it does not obscure an operator's visibility of approachingterrain, at least during which time the first blocking member 120 is inthe first position. As further shown in FIGS. 4-5, the blocking member120 can be oriented substantially vertically when in each of the firstposition and the second position.

Any of a variety of securement mechanisms can be provided to selectivelyretain the first blocking member 120 in at least one of the first andsecond positions. In particular, as shown in FIG. 4, a first securementmechanism 126 can be provided to selectively retain the blocking member120 in the first position, and a second securement mechanism 128 can beprovided to selectively retain the blocking member 120 in the secondposition. The first securement mechanism 126 can include a rotatableknob 158 which is secured by a bolt 160 with respect to the frame 134.The knob 158 can be rotatable so that, in one rotational position (asshown in FIG. 4), it secures the first blocking member 120 in the firstposition, while in another rotational position (not shown), the knob 158allows release of the first blocking member 120 from the first position.

The second securement mechanism 128 is shown to include a strap 136, abolt 138, and posts 144 and 146, and can be similar to the securementmechanism 28 described above with reference to FIG. 1. Accordingly, in amanner similar to that discussed of the securement mechanism 28 andblocking member 20 of FIGS. 1-3, the securement mechanism 128 canselectively maintain the first blocking member 120 in its secondposition. It will be appreciated that the second securement mechanism128 might alternatively include multiple such straps which work together(e.g., in parallel) to selectively maintain the first blocking member120 in the second position. However, it will also be appreciated thatthe first and/or second securement mechanisms could alternativelycomprise any of a variety of other specific mechanical structures orconfigurations for selectively retaining the first blocking member 120in the first and second positions, or that perhaps a single securementmechanism could be provided to selectively and alternatively secure theblocking member 120 in both the first and second positions.

FIGS. 6-8 depict a movable guard assembly in accordance with yet anotherembodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 6 depicts anATV 214 which includes a carrier rack 216 that is attached to the ATV214 adjacent to a front end 222 of the ATV 214. For example, the carrierrack 216 can be secured to a frame 234 of the ATV 214, such as withsupport posts 250, 251, 252, and 253. The carrier rack 216 generallydefines a substantially horizontal plane which can be configured forsupporting cargo thereon, and which is generally coplanar with a plane218 depicted in FIG. 6.

A blocking member 220 can be attached to the ATV 214 at a locationadjacent to the front end 222 of the ATV 214, and can be supported withrespect to the frame 234. The blocking member 220 can be adjustablethrough vertically telescoping action between a first position and asecond position. When in the first position, as shown in FIG. 6, theblocking member 220 can perform a guard function for protecting at leasta portion of the front end 222 of the ATV 214. When in the secondposition, as shown in FIG. 7, the blocking member 220 can provideadditional support for cargo placed upon the carrier rack 216. However,it will be appreciated that the blocking member 220, while in the secondposition, may provide some protection (e.g., from brush or collision)for the front end 222 of the ATV 214 and/or for cargo supported upon thecarrier rack 216. As shown in FIGS. 6-7, the blocking member 220, whenin the first position, can be disposed such that it is substantiallybeneath the plane 218, and when in the second position, such that it issubstantially above the plane 218. It will be appreciated that theblocking member 220 can be configured such that it does not obscure anoperator's visibility of approaching terrain, at least during which timethe blocking member 220 is in the first position. As further shown inFIGS. 6-7, the blocking member 220 can be oriented substantiallyvertically when in each of the first position and the second position.

In addition to the support posts 250, 251, 252, and 253, one or moreother support structures can be provided to secure the carrier rack 216upon the ATV 214. For example, one or more clamps (e.g., 254, 256) canbe provided so that the carrier rack 216 can selectively connect withthe blocking member 220 and can thus be at least partially supported bythe blocking member 220. In one particular embodiment, the clamps 254,256 can have respective first portions 257, 267 which can be securelyconnected (e.g., through welding or fasteners) to the carrier rack 216.The clamps 254, 256 can also have respective second portions 259, 269which can selectively interface the blocking member 220. In oneembodiment, the second portions 259, 269 can comprise spring-loaded,scissor-type clamps which, under manual control of an operator of theATV 214, can selectively grasp the blocking member 220 to secure thecarrier rack 216 with respect to the blocking member 220. The secondportions 259, 269 of the clamps 254, 256 can be selectively releasedfrom the blocking member 220 so that the blocking member 220 can be freeto move between its first and second positions. However, once theblocking member 220 reaches its desired position, the second portions259, 269 can again grasp the blocking member 220 to re-secure thecarrier rack 216 with respect to the blocking member 220. In otherembodiments, one or more clamps might additionally or alternatively bewelded, bolted, or otherwise securely connected to the blocking member220, but selectively releasable from the carrier rack 216. It will beappreciated that any of a variety of alternate mounting structures maybe provided for selectively securing the carrier rack 216 to theblocking member 220 and/or some other portion of the ATV 214.

A securement mechanism can be provided to selectively and alternativelyretain the blocking member 220 in the first position and the secondposition. In one particular embodiment, the securement mechanism 226 caninclude a first receptor 272 and a second receptor 274 which are bothdirectly or indirectly attached to the frame 234 of the ATV 214. Thesecurement mechanism 226 can further include a first vertical member 276and a second vertical member 278 which are each attached to the blockingmember 220. The vertical members 276, 278 can be configured to slidinglyinterface the respective receptors 272, 274. Through sliding engagementof the vertical members 276, 278 with the respective receptors 272, 274,the blocking member 220 can be raised and lowered vertically betweenfirst and second positions. In the first position, the blocking member220 can protect at least part of the front end 222 of the ATV 214 (e.g.,from brush or collision damage), while in the second position, theblocking member 220 can provide added support for cargo resting upon thecarrier rack 216. While in the second position, it will be appreciatedthat the blocking member 220 may nevertheless provide some protection(e.g., from brush or collision) for the front end 222 and/or for cargosupported upon the carrier rack 216.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first vertical member 276 can includemultiple apertures (e.g., 241, 242, 243, 244, 245 and 246). Likewise,the second vertical member 278 can include a similar arrangement ofapertures (e.g., 261, 262, 263 and 264). The first receptor 272 caninclude a first aperture 280 and a second aperture 282, and the secondreceptor 274 can also include a first aperture 288 and a second aperture290. The second apertures 282 and 290 are shown to comprise elongatedslots, although it will be appreciated that receptors in accordance withthe present invention might alternatively be provided with differentlyconfigured second apertures, and/or with no first and/or secondapertures whatsoever.

After insertion of the vertical members 276 and 278 into the respectivereceptors 272 and 274, a pin 286 can be inserted through the secondaperture 282 in the first receptor 272, and then through the aperture246 in the first vertical member 276. A pin 294 can then be insertedthrough the second aperture 290 in the second receptor 274, and thenthrough an aperture in the second vertical member 278. The position ofthe blocking member 220 can then be vertically adjusted with respect tothe receptors 272, 274, whereby the pins 286, 294 can correspondinglymove vertically along the respective second apertures 282, 290. In thisconfiguration, provided that at least one of the pins 286 and 294 areinserted as described above, the blocking member 220 can maintaincontact with the remainder of the ATV 214 during the entire movement ofthe blocking member 220 between the first position and the secondposition.

Once the blocking member 220 is moved to the desired vertical position,a pin 284 can be inserted through the first aperture 280 in the firstreceptor 272, and into another aperture provided in the first verticalmember 276 (e.g. aperture 245). A pin 292 can then be inserted throughthe first aperture 288 in the second receptor 274, and then into anotheraperture provided in the second vertical member 278. By insertion of thepins 284 and 292 in this manner, the vertical position of the blockingmember 220 can thereby be maintained or locked until the pins 284 and292 are removed. If desired by an operator, the blocking member 220could be easily and completely removed from the ATV 214 upon mereremoval of the pins 284, 286, 292 and 294. A plow, winch, cargo rack orother auxiliary implement could then be attached (e.g., with pins) tothe receptors 272, 274 in lieu of the blocking member 220.

During normal use of the ATV 214, the pins 286 and 294 can remain inplace. However, in order that the vertical height of the blocking member220 can be adjusted, the pins 284, 292 can be selectively removed andinserted from and to appropriate apertures of the vertical members 276,278 and receptors 272, 274 after those apertures are appropriatelyaligned (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8). For example, as shown in FIG. 6, theblocking member 220 is depicted in its first position, whereby the pin284 passes through the first aperture 280 in the first receptor 272 andthen through the aperture 241 in the first vertical member 276, and thepin 292 passes through the first aperture 288 in the second receptor 274and then through the aperture 261 in the second vertical member 278. Asshown in FIG. 7, wherein the blocking member 220 is depicted in thesecond position, the pin 284 can pass through the first aperture 280 ofthe first receptor 272 and then into the aperture 245 of the firstvertical member 276, and the pin 292 can pass through the first aperture288 in the second receptor 274, and then into a corresponding aperturein the second vertical member 278. The blocking member 220 couldalternatively be retained in one or more other positions such as mightbe intermediately located between the first and second positions (e.g.,through insertion of pin 284 through one of apertures 242, 243, and 244,and by insertion of pin 292 through a corresponding one of apertures262, 263, and 264).

Pins 284, 286, 292 and 294 can comprise rollers, clevis pins, bolts,and/or any of a variety of other such components, and may or may notinclude bearings. Any of a variety of specific mechanical configurationsmay be used to assist in selectively restraining one or more of the pins284, 286, 292 and 294 within the desired apertures. For example, asshown in FIG. 8, pin 284 can be provided with an aperture 287 forselectively receiving a locking ring 285, and pin 286 can similarly beconfigured for selectively receiving a locking ring 289. It will beappreciated that a vertically telescoping blocking member in accordancewith the teachings of the present invention might include only a singlevertical member and receptor pair, and/or might include greater than twosuch pairs. It will also be appreciated that a moveable brush guard inaccordance with the teachings of the present invention can be slidinglyattached to the front of an ATV in any of a variety of specificconfigurations, or might alternatively be moveably provided upon an ATVin a manner not involving hinges or telescoping action.

FIG. 10 depicts a conventional ATV 314 including a carrier rack 316 anda blocking member 320, both of which are disposed adjacent to a frontend 322 of the ATV 314, and are attached to a frame 334 of the ATV 314.The carrier rack 316 is shown as being supported upon the ATV 314 bysupport posts 350, 351, 352 and 353, and brackets 354 and 356. While thesupport posts 350, 351, 352, and 353 can connect directly or indirectlywith the frame 334, the brackets 354 and 356 can attach to the blockingmember 320, which in turn can connect directly or indirectly with theframe 334. In this conventional configuration, the blocking member 320is not movable with respect to the carrier rack 316, and thereby cannotassist in securing cargo to the carrier rack 316 as can a moveable brushguard made in accordance with the present invention.

For example, FIG. 11 depicts a water bottle 324 being attached to thecarrier rack 316 with a strap 364. In particular, a first end 366 of thestrap 364 is shown as being attached to the carrier rack 316, and theother end of the strap 364 can also attach to the carrier rack 316.Because the water bottle 324 is a substantially cylindrical object thatis only supported on one side (by the carrier rack 316), it is morelikely to become dislodged during travel of the ATV 314 over roughterrain than is a water bottle maintained by a similar strapconfiguration upon an ATV in accordance with the teachings of thepresent invention. Accordingly, as compared to this conventionalconfiguration, a movable guard assembly in accordance with the teachingsof the present invention can provide substantial assistance inrestraining cargo to a carrier rack (as shown for example in FIG. 3),thereby often avoiding any need for multiple straps and/or a complexstrap configuration.

The foregoing description of embodiments and examples of the inventionhas been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It isnot intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the formsdescribed. Numerous modifications are possible in light of the aboveteachings. Some of those modifications have been discussed and otherswill be understood by those skilled in the art. The embodiments werechosen and described in order to best illustrate the principles of theinvention and various embodiments as are suited to the particular usecontemplated. The scope of the invention is, of course, not limited tothe examples or embodiments set forth herein, but can be employed in anynumber of applications and equivalent devices by those of ordinary skillin the art. Rather it is hereby intended the scope of the invention bedefined by the claims appended hereto.

1. An all terrain vehicle comprising: a carrier rack supported at alocation adjacent to a front end of the all terrain vehicle and defininga substantially horizontal plane configured for supporting cargothereon; a blocking member provided adjacent to the carrier rack,wherein the blocking member is adjustable through movement between afirst position in which the blocking member is operable to perform aguard function for protecting at least a portion of the front end of theall terrain vehicle, and a second position in which the blocking memberis operable to provide additional support for cargo placed upon thecarrier rack; and a first securement mechanism configured to selectivelyand alternatively retain the blocking member in the first position andthe second position.
 2. An all terrain vehicle comprising: a carrierrack supported at a location adjacent to a front end of the all terrainvehicle and defining a substantially horizontal plane configured forsupporting cargo thereon; a blocking member provided adjacent to thecarrier rack, wherein the blocking member is adjustable through movementbetween a first position in which the blocking member is operable toperform a guard function for protecting at least a portion of the frontend of the all terrain vehicle, and a second position in which theblocking member is operable to provide additional support for cargoplaced upon the carrier rack; a first securement mechanism configured toselectively retain the blocking member in the first position; and asecond securement mechanism configured to selectively retain theblocking member in the second position.
 3. An all terrain vehiclecomprising: a carrier rack supported at a location adjacent to a frontend of the all terrain vehicle and defining a substantially horizontalplane configured for supporting cargo thereon; a blocking memberprovided adjacent to the carrier rack, wherein the blocking member isadjustable through movement between a first position in which theblocking member is operable to perform a guard function for protectingat least a portion of the front end of the all terrain vehicle, and asecond position in which the blocking member is operable to provideadditional support for cargo placed upon the carrier rack, and whereinthe blocking member, when in the first position, is disposed such thatthe blocking member is substantially beneath the plane, and the blockingmember, when in the second position, is disposed such that the blockingmember is substantially above the plane; and a first securementmechanism configured to selectively retain the blocking member in atleast one of the first position and the second position.
 4. An allterrain vehicle comprising: a carrier rack supported at a locationadjacent to a front end of the all terrain vehicle and defining asubstantially horizontal plane configured for supporting cargo thereon;a blocking member provided adjacent to the carrier rack, wherein theblocking member is adjustable through movement between a first positionin which the blocking member is operable to perform a guard function forprotecting at least a portion of the front end of the all terrainvehicle, and a second position in which the blocking member is operableto provide additional support for cargo placed upon the carrier rack,and wherein the blocking member is oriented substantially verticallywhen in each of the first position and the second position; and a firstsecurement mechanism configured to selectively retain the blockingmember in at least one of the first position and the second position. 5.An all terrain vehicle comprising: a frame; a carrier rack attached tothe frame adjacent to the front end of the all terrain vehicle anddefining a substantially horizontal plane configured for supportingcargo thereon; a blocking member; a securement mechanism comprising areceptor and a vertical member, the receptor attached to the frame at alocation adjacent to a front end of the all terrain vehicle, thevertical member attached to the blocking member and configured toslidingly interface with the receptor such that the blocking member canbe vertically adjusted between a first position in which the blockingmember is operative to perform a brush guard function and a secondposition in which the blocking member is operative to provide additionalsupport for cargo placed upon the carrier rack, wherein the securementmechanism is configured to selectively retain the blocking member in atleast one of the first position and the second position.
 6. The allterrain vehicle of claim 5 wherein the vertical member includes a firstaperture and the receptor includes a second aperture, the first apertureand the second aperture being configured to align when the blockingmember is in the first position, and wherein the securement mechanismcomprises a removable pin which can be selectively inserted into thefirst aperture and the second aperture upon alignment of the firstaperture with the second aperture, whereby the blocking member ismaintained in the first position when the removable pin is inserted intothe first aperture and the second aperture.
 7. The all terrain vehicleof claim 5 wherein the vertical member includes a first aperture and thereceptor includes a second aperture, the first aperture and the secondaperture being configured to align when the blocking member is in thesecond position, and wherein the securement mechanism comprises aremovable pin which can be selectively inserted into the first apertureand the second aperture upon alignment of the first aperture with thesecond aperture, whereby the blocking member is maintained in the secondposition when the removable pin is inserted into the first aperture andthe second aperture.
 8. The all terrain vehicle of claim 5 wherein theblocking member, when in the first position, is disposed such that theblocking member is substantially beneath the plane, and the blockingmember, when in the second position, is disposed such that the blockingmember is substantially above the plane.
 9. An all terrain vehiclecomprising: a frame; a carrier rack attached to the frame at a locationadjacent to a front end of the all terrain vehicle, the carrier rackdefining a substantially horizontal plane configured for supportingcargo thereon; a blocking member hingedly attached with respect to thecarrier rack adjacent to the front end of the all terrain vehicle,wherein the blocking member is pivotable between a first position inwhich the blocking member is oriented substantially vertically and isconfigured to perform a brush guard function, and a second position inwhich the blocking member is oriented substantially vertically and isconfigured to provide additional support for cargo placed upon thecarrier rack; and a securement mechanism configured to selectivelyretain the blocking member in at least one of the first position and thesecond position.
 10. The all terrain vehicle of claim 9 wherein theblocking member, when in the first position, is disposed such that theblocking member is substantially beneath the plane, and the blockingmember, when in the second position, is disposed such that the blockingmember is substantially above the plane.
 11. The all terrain vehicle ofclaim 9 wherein the blocking member is directly hingedly attached to thecarrier rack.